The Fourth of July is the perfect time to celebrate with friends and neighbors! At Friendship Village, our residents enjoy the freedom of celebrating Independence Day with a variety of fun and accessible activities. From hosting backyard barbecues to hitting the parades, here’s your guide to celebrating the Fourth of July in St. Louis!
1. Host a Backyard Barbecue
What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than grilling up some hotdogs and burgers outside? The courtyards at both of our campuses are complete with barbecue pits and outdoor furniture making them perfect for throwing a party! Enjoy outdoor games and good food (like red, white, and blue fruit pizza) with neighbors and friends for a great Independence Day!
2. See the Firework Displays
Fireworks are a Fourth of July must! They draw big crowds, so plan to get there early to avoid walking far distances in large crowds. Many of our residents use our transportation services to get dropped off near the main event and avoid driving at night. Here’s some of our recommendations on where to go for the best fireworks around St. Louis:
- Chesterfield Athletic Center has a fun firework celebration you can enjoy with the whole family! On top of the fireworks, your grandkids will love the inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, Circus Kaput, food trucks and more!
- Kirkwood Park: The Freedom Festival at Kirkwood Park has live music, food trucks, and, of course, a big firework show to end the night!
- Grant’s Farm is featuring drone shows all summer long on weekend nights. This is a simple and unique option that helps you avoid the big crowds and isn’t loud either! Get tickets for their July 5th show here. (Spoiler alert: the drones even form an American flag at one point in the show!)
3. Hit the Parades
More of an early bird? Go see a patriotic parade! Make sure to prepare for the St. Louis heat by bringing sunscreen, lots of water, and lawn chairs to enjoy the show comfortably. Our residents often utilize our shuttle service for these events too!
- Webster Groves Community Days: This local tradition includes a marching band, colorful floats, and lots of community spirit. Grab a space to set your lawn chair from Lockwood to Elm to see this fun parade and maybe even score some beads for the grandkids!
- America’s Birthday Parade Downtown: If you’re wanting to see a BIG parade head over to downtown for elaborate floats, choreographed dances, and outstanding marching bands.
4. Decorate in Red, White, and Blue
Every year our residents get creative in the Friendship Village Creative Arts Studio making Independence Day crafts! Gather with friends and neighbors for a craft afternoon to make door decorations, festive centerpieces, and more.
5. Make Everyday Activities Festive
Add a patriotic twist to your routine this Fourth of July! Our residents enjoy doing America-themed puzzles in our common areas, gathering with friends for a classic American film, or having a trivia night centered around American history and pop culture.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, Friendship Village is here to help you make the most of the day, from transportation services to planning fun events. Want to join the fun? Schedule a tour at one of our campuses!